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Guide to Pass It On

Category

Union updates

Date

04 jun 2026

Author

Imperial College Union

Read Time

5 min

Beit Quad in the sun full of students.

It’s the end of the year and it’s time to move out. Do you have random bits you aren’t taking home with you?

You can donate them at our final Summer Series event – the Summer Send-Off on 21 June – and have one less thing on your mind as you’re moving out. Give pre-loved items a second life and help other Imperial students in the process!

ICU’s Pass It On Scheme helps the planet by cutting down on waste and helps incoming students save money. During Welcome Week, we’ll be hosting a free event for students to come and grab items they need from the donations you make.

Donation Point

  • Where: Metric in the Beit Quad
  • When: Sunday 21st of June from 12pm to 5pm
  • How: we are hosting the Summer Send Off – the final event in our Summer Series – bringing a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the first official day of Summer 2026 surrounded by your mates. As well as a donation point, we’re hosting a BBQ with activities and entertainment in the Quad to make the day extra special.

Do’s and Don’ts of donating

Firstly:

  • All items must be donated in double bin bags, zipped bags, a bag for life or a secure container.
  • Any broken items or garbage must be disposed of in the recycling or general waste bins before you come to the donation point.
  • Remove all knives and sharps before coming to the donation point to avoid injuries.

Items we CAN accept
  • Books
  • Stationary
  • Clean Crockery – plates, bowls, etc.
  • Clean Glasses
  • Clean Mugs
  • Clean Homeware
  • Pots and pans
  • Plant pots
  • Décor
  • Small furniture – such as side tables.
  • Toiletries – full, unopened bottles
  • Cleaning products – full and unopened.

Items we CANNOT accept
  • Bedding – duvets, pillows, blankets, sheets.
  • Clothes and shoes – please donate these to local charity shops. We have a list of South Kensington charity shops below.
  • Sharps – such as knives or scissors.
  • Electrical items – we do not have the facilities to PAT test them before giving them away.
  • Large furniture
  • Items not properly stored in double bin bags, zipped bags, a bag for life or securable container
  • Stained, dirty or soiled items
  • Any food of any kind: perishable, non-perishable or otherwise – please donate to local foodbanks listed below.

Alternative Donation Guidance

If the date or timings of the event are not convenient for you, or if you are looking to donate items we cannot accept, there’s plenty of ways to donate. The information below provides guidance on what steps to take.

Local charity shops

For clothes, shoes, electricals or any other clean, pre-loved items you were unable to donate at the Summer Send Off.

26 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4RB

28 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4RB

211 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2EJ

219 Kensington High St, London W8 6BD

202b Kensington High St, London W8 7RG

  • Or any other charity shop near you!

Local foodbanks and food donation points

For any non-perishable food items, toiletries and cleaning products that are fully unopened and unused.

22 Lillie Road, London SW6 1TS

Notting Hill Methodist Church, 240 Lancaster Rd, London W11 4AH

Estate Office Block A, Peabody Hall, Fulham Estate, Lillie Road SW6 1UH

11 Blantyre Street, Chelsea SW10 0DT

9 Gliddon Road, Barons Court W14 9BL

  • Tesco West Cromwell Road (donation point)
  • Tesco Hammersmith (donation point)
  • Waitrose Parsons Green (donation point)
  • Waitrose North End Road (donation point)
  • Tesco North End Road (donation point)
  • Waitrose Fulham Palace Road (donation point)
  • Or any other foodbank donation point near you!

Online Platforms

You can post your items on free give-away platforms to be collected:

If you have time, sell your items on:

Or organise a collection or postage of clean, wearable clothes through the charities and organisations below:

Electricals

The best thing to do is ask around your network – friends, CSP group chats, classmates, etc. – in case anyone can give them a new home.

If this doesn't work, make sure you donate or recycle your electronics. Throwing electronics in the bin is a big no-no, as it poses risks to the environment and health & safety. Many charity shops accept electricals but be sure to check first.

You can find your nearest donation or recycling point through Recycle Your Electricals.

Duvets and Pillows

Unfortunately, duvets and pillows are not widely recycled. If none of the charity shops, donation points or friends can take them off you, you can dispose of them in your local recycling centre.